Some knitting patterns earn their staying power by being endlessly adaptable, and Stephen West’s Boneyard Shawl is a perfect example. First published in 2009, this simple triangular shawl has been knit thousands of times — and it still feels just as wearable today.
For our version, we used four hanks of Woolfolk Fleck. The understated texture of the pattern lets Fleck’s beautiful merino wool and tiny Donegal flecks take center stage, creating a shawl that feels classic, cozy, and easy to wear.
About the Yarn
Woolfolk Fleck is a sport-weight yarn made with 90% Woolfolk Ultimate Merino® and 10% Donegal. Each 50-gram hank contains 160 yards, giving our four-hank Boneyard Shawl approximately 640 yards of yarn.
Fleck combines the extraordinary softness Woolfolk is known for with the rustic look of traditional tweed. The subtle Donegal flecks add just enough visual interest without overwhelming the knitting, while the merino creates a soft, comfortable fabric you'll want to wrap around your shoulders.
It's an especially nice match for the Boneyard Shawl. The simple stockinette sections give the flecks room to show, while the shawl's garter ridges add another layer of texture.
Design Details
The Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West is a simple triangular shawl worked flat from the top center outward. Regular increases create the shape, while garter-stitch ridges break up the stockinette fabric and give the shawl its distinctive texture.
One of the pleasures of this pattern is its straightforward rhythm. Once you understand the construction, there's very little to keep track of, making it a good choice for relaxed knitting.
It's also easy to customize. The pattern can be worked in different yarn weights and continued until the shawl reaches the size you want. With four hanks of Fleck, our shawl is 54 inches across the top and 27 inches deep.
What You’ll Need
Pattern: Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West — free on Ravelry
Yarn: 4 hanks Woolfolk Fleck
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 40-inch circular needle.
Notions: 2 stitch markers and a tapestry needle
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple, satisfying knitting: Once established, the pattern has an easy-to-follow rhythm that's great for knitting while chatting or relaxing.
- Beautiful texture: Stockinette, garter ridges, and Fleck's tiny Donegal accents work together without competing with one another.
- Easy to customize: Keep knitting until your shawl is the size you want.
- Wonderfully wearable: The classic triangular shape works wrapped around your neck as a generous scarf or worn across your shoulders as a shawl.
- A great showcase for Fleck: The uncomplicated design lets the yarn's softness and subtle tweedy character shine.
Make Your Own Boneyard Shawl
If you've been looking for a project that combines uncomplicated knitting with a really beautiful yarn, the Boneyard Shawl and Woolfolk Fleck make a lovely pairing. Four hanks are all you need to create a soft, textured shawl you'll reach for throughout the cooler months.
Shop Woolfolk Fleck, download the free Boneyard Shawl pattern, and choose a color for your own.
And when yours is finished, we'd love to see it. Tag us @loopyarn so we can see your Boneyard Shawl!
